Grades 7 through 8

Thrill Seekers - Learn team-building skills as you experience the thrills. Learn more

Grades 9 through 12

Counselor in Training - If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, that will provide you with valuable career experience, then the Busch Gardens Counselor in Training program (CIT) is the summer camp program for you. This week-long program offers you a real opportunity to learn from the best. Our expert educators will share their experience and knowledge with you on topics from child development to zoo careers and environmental awareness. You’ll complete a specialized orientation and participate side by side with our camp counselors during our summer day camp programs. Application required. Download application

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do the camps include?

A. Camps include the following amenities:

Daily lunches, snacks & drinks

A Camp T-shirt and a water bottle

A complimentary photo with a Busch Gardens animal ambassador

Complimentary admission to Busch Gardens following camp each day for campers

Q. Who are the Busch Gardens Day Camps team members?

A. The Education Department at Busch Gardens has a year-round team of experienced camp personnel. The senior camp team has years of experience teaching students of all ages. Our seasonal day camp counselors are highly motivated, experienced college students that are carefully selected and background screened. They spend a full week training at Busch Gardens prior to campers’ arrival. Our entire day camp team trains and possesses First Aid, CPR, AED, Medication Administration, Epi-pen Administration, and reviews safe driving practices in the camp vehicles once they arrive at Busch Gardens.

The American Camp Association (ACA) accredits Busch Gardens Day Camp, which exceeds ACA standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience for all. Busch Gardens follows ACA’s suggested guidelines for establishing the number of counselors necessary to oversee a day camp group. Camps for elementary, secondary, and college students are often on the premises at the same time and our properly trained team allow for a well-managed atmosphere when conducting these camps simultaneously.

Q. Do campers have to participate in all activities?

A. We design events to be enjoyable and realize that sometimes the schedule includes something new for some participants. Everyone is encouraged to participate to the best of their ability during group activities.

Q. Do I need to sign and send back all the registration forms and releases?

A. For campers to attend Busch Gardens Day Camps, it is mandatory that all forms and releases be filled out accurately and completely, are signed by an adult parent/guardian, and then be returned before camp starts. Please return all completed, signed ORIGINAL forms and releases no later than 2 weeks prior to your camp start date.

You will receive a vehicle pass which allows a chosen adult to both drop off and pick up your camper(s) from Busch Gardens. Be prepared for a random vehicle search when entering park premises. NO PETS are allowed on property, so please leave your pets at home.

Q. What are some possible health concerns of the program and how can they be prevented?

A. Some participants will have the opportunity to ride roller coasters and other theme park rides on which they may experience high speeds and zero gravity. Campers will also be in close proximity to many species of animals where they may encounter the animals and associated dander, feathers, or food items. It is imperative to note any health issues or known food, animal or insect, and plant allergies on the Health History Form, and to elaborate on the severity of any condition or reaction.

NOTE: Some available food products may contain or have been processed in proximity to peanut and/or other allergenic ingredients. Please specify any dietary preferences, allergies and/or restrictions on the Health History Form, and elaborate on the possible reaction if consumed or touched. While Day Camps can accommodate a simple vegetarian diet, please provide non-perishable supplements for more complex dietary needs or dietary restrictions.

Campers may come into contact with mosquitoes, wasps, or fire ants almost anywhere. These Florida inhabitants can inflict bites or stings that are readily treatable with Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications. Be sure to review and sign the OTC Medications Release Form. Busch Gardens staff CANNOT DISPENSE ANY MEDICATIONS WITHOUT PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION.

Sun, heat, and humidity can be a dangerous mix in Florida. Participants should wear sunscreen (not provided) and protective clothing (e.g. light, cotton clothing, a hat, and sunglasses) and drink plenty of water to prevent sunburn and overheating.

Q. Are there Health Concerns for which my child may be sent home?

A. Some skin conditions, respiratory ailments, and other diseases are highly contagious for people and animals. If a Health Services team member identifies your camper as being infectious, that he/she has an elevated temperature upon arrival, or exhibits signs of head lice, it will be necessary to send him/her home. Please evaluate any skin irritations or itching, or general health problems before coming to camp in order to avoid any inconvenience, expense, or disappointment.

Q. Do I need to send over-the-counter medications for my child?

A. Health Services keeps the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications on-hand for all of our park guests, including campers. It is not necessary to send any of these medicines to camp!

Because we cannot dispense any medication without parental and/or physician authorization, please be sure to sign the OTC Medication Release Form and note the available OTC medicines. For the safety of all campers, all medicines, OTC and/or prescription, are collected by Health Services upon arrival and dispensed as required.

Q. What is the procedure in a medical emergency?

A. For all minor injuries and illnesses that occur at any of the parks, the SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Health Services team is available. For minor injuries that occur off-site, counselors carry a first aid kit and AED, and are trained in basic First Aid, CPR, AED, Medication Administration, and Epi-pen Administration.

For serious injuries and illnesses, participants will be transported to the closest hospital. The Florida Hospital Tampa is within two miles of Busch Gardens or Adventure Island. A Busch Gardens representative will contact you in case of an emergency. For your child’s safekeeping, it is required that all your medical consent to treat, medical history forms, and insurance information are complete and signed before registration is considered complete.

Q. What type of food is served during the program?

A. Busch Gardens provides all lunches throughout the course of the program with foods ranging from burgers to spaghetti. For our camps that include a sleepover, pizza is delivered in the evening and breakfast is continental style and includes juice, milk, cold cereals, bagels, yogurt, and fresh fruit.

NOTE: Some available food products may contain or have been processed in proximity to peanut and/or other allergenic ingredients. Please specify any dietary preferences, allergies and/or restrictions on the Health History Form, and elaborate on the possible reaction if consumed. While Day Camps can accommodate a simple vegetarian diet, please provide non-perishable supplements for more complex dietary needs.

Q. May I pack a lunch for my child if he/she doesn’t like the dailymenu selection?

A. Parents are free to pack a lunch for their camper(s). Please leave the clearly labeled lunch container with a camp supervisor in the morning and we will deliver homemade lunches to campers at lunchtime. Do not pack perishable items as refrigeration is not available. Camp fees are not discounted if a camper brings his or her own lunch.

Q. What happens during inclement weather?

A. Safety is a top priority at Busch Gardens. Camp management and counselors will balance the components of the program with the current weather conditions. Weather conditions are monitored closely by our Security Department and our enjoyment of the park elements is contingent upon the proximity and nature of weather factors such as lightning or high winds.

Rain and afternoon thunderstorms are common in Florida and may affect some camp activities. Our park observes strict weather protocols. When lightning has been spotted within 3 miles of our park, for everyone’s safety, guests and team members are required to seek shelter. Campers will be moved to the closest indoor location until the threat has passed.

If park security has called the sever weather code before or during camp dismissal, dismissal must be temporarily halted until the weather passes. This is for everyone’s safety. We ask that should you arrive at camp dismissal during bad weather and it appears that no staff is on hand immediately, we are following our security procedures and have everyone safely inside our classroom. We will resume check out once we are given the “all clear” from our security team.

During more severe weather, such as a hurricane, camp management will make a decision about canceling a camp on a case-by-case basis. Camp is not canceled for rain. Once camp is canceled, it cannot be rescheduled for the original date even if the weather clears or other factors change. You will NOT receive a refund for missed days due to inclement weather. Parents/guardians will be contacted in a timely manner should such an event occur.

Q. Does Busch Gardens provide transportation throughout the program?

A. Busch Gardens provides transportation throughout the program in vans or chartered buses. Every day, camp team members review safe driving practices before driving any vehicle for camp and practice skills in the vehicles provided for camp.

Q. What is the Busch Gardens Day Camps refund policy?

A. If written notice of cancellation is received more than SIX WEEKS prior to the session, 100% of the camp fee will be returned.

If written notice of cancellation is received between FOUR (4) TO SIX (6) WEEKS prior to the session, 50% of the camp fee will be returned.

If written notice of cancellation is received FOUR (4) WEEKS OR LESS prior to camp, the entire camp fee will be forfeit.

Rebooking into an open session within the same calendar year is an option. If a participant leaves camp early, or is dismissed, no refund will be given.

Q. What photo opportunities will campers have?

A. Campers will have the ability to take photos park wide as a park guest, and in a few behind the scenes areas. We suggest they bring a camera to take their own photos throughout the week. There are certain ride and zoo back areas where cameras are prohibited and counselors will inform campers where they may or may not use cameras.

Additionally, Busch Gardens provides campers with an individual photo with an animal and a group photo as part of the camping experience.

Q. What time can I drop off my child in the morning?

A. You may drop off your camper as early as 7:30 a.m. Camp counselors arrive at the drop off areas at this time. Please do not drop off your child if a counselor is not present in the area.

Q. Can my child stay in the park after camp unattended?

At the end of camp each day, we will only admit campers 14 years of age or older with written permission from a parent or legal guardian into the park. Only those This benefit is provided at no extra charge, and does

not include admission to other theme parks, or extend to other family members. Please provide a signed, dated note for each day you wish your 14-year-old or older child to enter the park after camp.

For those with younger campers, each day we will hand-stamp any day camper who plans on staying at Busch Gardens, so that they may re-enter the park with an adult who has purchased a park ticket after camp. This benefit is provided at no extra charge, and does not include admission to other theme parks, or extend to other family members.

Q. When does my child get his/her t-shirt?

A. Campers receive their t-shirt during check-in on the first day of camp. Additional t-shirts are available for purchase during your child’s camp week for $10/each.

Q. Will my child be able to shop?

A. Campers are provided with everything needed during their day at camp, including food and drinks. There will be no time to shop, so please do not send your child to camp with money. Busch Gardens is not responsible for lost money or valuables.

Q. How do I add the extended care add-on option for my camper(s)?

A. You may contact Education Reservations at 1-877-BGT-CAMP (1-877-248-2267) to add this option at any time. If your child is signed up for Extended Care, please pick them up for the Education Classroom located adjacent to the main pick-up area, before 6:00p.m.